I have a 6 month old Rottie puppy who, after the training we have given her, is great at most things. However, when she is playing with another dog, she goes totally deaf!!! This is frustrating and very dangerous. We have used the "Molly Come" at home and this she is great at, when we are alone in the park "Molly Come" works really well. When she is playing with another she will not come back for love nor money, nor treats like chicken etc.

We have tried all the lease training and line training since she was very small and will not come back. I know she is young, but its dangerous. Can anyone suggest anything please.

Thanks, Adrian. adrianh.marlow@virgin.net

Well, one of the best things I was taught is to "set the dog up for success" so that when the dog is still learning, you only ever call when it is likely the dog will come. (Sometimes easier said than done, but...!)

So for example, if your Rottie is playing, wait until she has nearly finished and looks a bit tired, then call once excitedly and walk away - if the dog pays no attention, and you have the space, then run away. Itis a rare youngster that will ignore its owner seriously running away from it. I have been doing some one to one training with a lady who has had terrible recall troubles with an adult JRT x BC, and this was one method we used.Also, to get the dog focussed on you, never be predictable, change direction suddenly, go down different paths etc. Occasionally hide but keep an eye on the dog for safety.

YOung dogs do go thorugh a phase of not returning and it is pretty normal so try not to worry, if the above doesn't work, then put back on a long lead for about a fortnight. HOwever at the end of the day the dog needs ot learn to recall without a long lead.

Another idea which works well is to keep a special toy, (we use a Kong on a rope) and use it as a reward, only let the dog have it during recalls and for very good nehaviour, and it can be used as a throw toy or as a tuggy.

One last suggestion, do you always put your Rottie on the lead when you ask for a recall? It's best not to - try to vary what happens when the pup comes back. So for example send the dog away again after coming back.
HTH

Hi Adrian,

In addition to the above you could also try a more formal method

Do you go to classes - if not then find some asap as there she will get used to other dogs being around without playing with them all the time.

Try finding someone else to walk with with a dog (who does come back).

The best thing though is to make sure she knows what come means and to do it every time.

Stage 1.
With Molly on the lead wait till she has hear head down or is not paying attention to you, give a very slight flick of the lead (not jerk) and say "Molly, Come", as soon as she lifts her head praise, then praise more and reward with titbit when she reaches you. Repeat 5 or 6 times a day in lots of three, over a week or so until you don't need to flick the lead. This needs to become a completely automatic (?brainwashed) response, owner calls - dog responds without even thinking about it.

Stage 2.
Have a short lead with her in the same room as you and say "Molly, Come" if she responds praise and reward, if she does not grab lead, slight flick, and repeat command - praise and reward.

Important Note: Always praise when she comes to you even if you have been trying to catch her for hours. If you take attitude - why did you not come and shout at her then coming to you will not be a rewarding experience. Returning to you must always be pleasurable or she will be even less inclined to come. Play with her for a short time when she returns - tuggy (preferably bouncing rather than pulling) or if she likes retrieving a short retrieve with lots of excitement). You have to be the most important and interesting thing in her life.

Stage 3
Repeat 2 but with more than one room, then with garden as well.

Can you get someone else with a dog who will come to you and play with Molly so you can do this in a restricted space such as your home/garden?

When I am out for a walk and see other dogs I now call mine in to me so that they get used to returning to me before they get a chance to "play". In the society we live in today our large dogs are often seen as dangerous and therefore must be extra obedient as what is play to us is often seen as threatening to others.

Hope this helps - it will take a lot of effort on your part but the rewards are well worth it.

Christine

Hi Adrian,

we have 2 rotties and know well that 'shock, horror' reaction that you get when your dog is off a lead. I ve always been quite paranoid of other dogs coming over to play as Rotts have such a bad name to the public. I am not a dog trainer but have taught both my Rotts a different command to 'leave' other dogs straight away, and come for general use. Sorry cannot be more specific but I used training classes for mine and with having other dogs found it more easy.

Enjoy your Rott, if anything like mine will be thick skinned, lovable and think it s the size if a Yorkie !!!!

regards

Lorraine